Guys, I am a complete neophyte when it comes to evaluating the characteristics of motorcycle oil, so I defer to the experts here for assistance in choosing a suitable motor oil that not only excels in performance and protection, but also is suitable for use in all three (3) holes of my 2011 HD Street Glide.

I'm a conservative, fair weather rider and I only ride from late April through November, in temps averaging 55-95 degrees.

My owner manual recommends a 20W-50 oil and I would prefer motorcycle specific brands. Also, I'd like to be able to achieve 3000-5000 mile OCI's.

Did you just buy the bike or have you had a Harley for three years and now wondering what kind of oil to put in it?

Most oil makers have a time requirement on the oils over the mileage. Since you have a short riding period I would be draining the oil and filter you've had in it during the summer prior to storing it. Then in Spring fire it up and run it thru the summer and drain again prior to storing.

I bought my FLHX new in June/2011 and have run the HD360 20W-50 dino oil in it from the start. My dealer only carries the HD synth blend and SYN3 oils now, which are pricey for what they are; it's a good time for me to make a switch.

I would recommend Valvoline 20/50 wt for the motor, Rotella 15/40 wt for the primary, and any cheap GL-5 rated gear oil for the trans, Why? Because it will cost less for a years worth of use age. Valvoline mc oil is good stuff, look at the UOA'S. Your primary doesn't need expensive oil to lube the chain and clutch, and while MC oils that say to use them in the trans, only carry a gL-1 rating.Even if you only ride between 2-5k miles a year, this combination will perform their duty of protecting your bike just fine.,,

I don't know about Mobil's recommendations for your application in all 3 holes.

Harley was recommending their Syn3 back in the day but I'm not certain of that any more.It's possible the Syn3 is not as good as they originally thought it was.

The only company that actually recommends the same oil for all 3 holes like Harley, is Amsoil with their 20w-50 MCV.

For comparison and to add perspective to the concept.As alternatives, I think Amsoil also say you can run their 75w-110 or 75w-140 gear oil in the transmission, and the 10w-40 MCF motorcycle oil in the primary.

If it was my bike.With the best level of protection in mind, I would be inclined to run a gear oil in the transmission of a Harley "Big Twin", even though I believe the MCV is a great oil.The primary would be a lesser consideration for me, and I would ultimately be inclined to see how the shift feel went, as a guide to see what I'd be happiest with in the long run.

My owner manual recommends a 20W-50 oil and I would prefer motorcycle specific brands. Also, I'd like to be able to achieve 3000-5000 mile OCI's.

So, whaddayathink? Any good options out there?

Thanks, guys.

I Know you say MC specific oil in all 3 holes, but please reconsider using standard 20w-50 oil in the tranny. Use a good gearbox oil instead, and change every two years. engine and primary are not too picky and can use any othe above posted suggestions for oils. your shifting feel and your tranny will thank you.

It would sure make life easier if there was a good oil for all three "holes" on a Harley Twin Cam. My opinion, there isn't. My opinion that is!

I use Mobile V Twin in the oil tank on my Heritage, 75/90 gear oil in the transmission.....it's a gear box, not an engine with a wet clutch.....and good old Rotella 15/40 in the primary where the wet clutch lives.

For your transmission, I would pick a regular multi-grade gear lube. My pick of the litter is Amsoil 75W90 Severe Gear lube but there are many good ones on the market. Gear oils are made to stand up to the shearing action of gears and you can go for longer change intervals.

My owner manual recommends a 20W-50 oil and I would prefer motorcycle specific brands. Also, I'd like to be able to achieve 3000-5000 mile OCI's.

So, whaddayathink? Any good options out there?

Thanks, guys.

I Know you say MC specific oil in all 3 holes, but please reconsider using standard 20w-50 oil in the tranny. Use a good gearbox oil instead, and change every two years. engine and primary are not too picky and can use any othe above posted suggestions for oils. your shifting feel and your tranny will thank you.

Great point, Propflux01. I got convinced to use something more purpose specific for the tranny, so I'm going with Mobil 1 75W-90 gear lube.

a hot running big V-twin needs a REAL synthetic, group IV + or V. that rules many out. Amsoil or Redline are the best REAL synthetics, mobil I V-Twin isn't far behind. Amsoil's high TBN will allow 5,000 mile changes easily. in my sporty i changed 20-50 Amsoil at the end of riding season, i ride like you, not into icy temps, rain, or snow for sure! never needed any additional oil between changes either. tried amsoil + redline gear lubes, not much help fot the clunky tranny maybe the heavier lubes out now may be a bit better

Guys, I am a complete neophyte when it comes to evaluating the characteristics of motorcycle oil, so I defer to the experts here for assistance in choosing a suitable motor oil that not only excels in performance and protection, but also is suitable for use in all three (3) holes of my 2011 HD Street Glide.

I'm a conservative, fair weather rider and I only ride from late April through November, in temps averaging 55-95 degrees.

My owner manual recommends a 20W-50 oil and I would prefer motorcycle specific brands. Also, I'd like to be able to achieve 3000-5000 mile OCI's.

So, whaddayathink? Any good options out there?

Thanks, guys

To keep it simple, I use Mobil 1 20-50 in engine and primary and Mobil 1 75-90 in the trans. You will notice the difference after that HD [censored]. People on here have said that you don't need to worry about what kind of oil in the primary but you have a plastic chain tensioner in there that you don't want to wear out prematurely.

I just did my oil change last week. I have Delo 15W-40 in the engine and primary (all stock motor that's not run hard), H-D Performance + in the tranny. I plan on changing the Delo at 2000 miles, the filter at 4,000. I figure 15W-40 at 2,000 miles is better than 20W-50 when it approaches 5K. I'm the only rider (seldom ride 2-up), but if the bike was run hard or raced I would probably be too scared to run truck oil in the engine.